Sunday, February 8, 2009

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Once again, I come out of a Harry Potter book satisfied. While the first book's purpose is to paint the picture of the world and to introduce the heroic company, the second book has a different purpose.

The second book brings depth to the villain, Lord Voldemort, or his given name, Tom Marvolo Riddle. It also contrasts the two, while comparing them at the same time.

But the most important part is that Harry must go through his ordeals alone. In the first book, Harry is left to face Quirrel/Voldemort alone. In the second book, Harry is once again left alone to face Riddle/Voldemort. Yes he gets help in both instances, his mother's protection through love and Fawkes bringing him the Sorting Hat and ridding him of Basilisk venom, but it is a foreshadowing of his future.

Another thing I noticed was that it was Harry's and Ron's bonding story. The first book was the meeting of the friends, while the second book is a strenghthening of Harry's and Ron's relationship. The third book is therefore Harry's and Hermione's bonding story, as they share an important experience together.

J.K. Rowling may not be one of the best writers in the world, but she does know how to develop relationships and characters (even though she has to do a character/relationship per book).

This book goes on the shelf.